Sixers weekly observations: The case for three All-Stars, improved defense, painful loss to Thunder, more

Sixers weekly observations: The case for three All-Stars, improved defense, painful loss to Thunder, more originally appeared on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com The Sixers went 3-1 this week, but their most recent (and most painful) memory is of the one that got away, Saturday's 117-115 loss to the Thunder (see observations). In the big picture, the Sixers are 30-17 and 19-9 in games in which Jimmy Butler has played. Let's get into a few observations: • Ben Simmons told reporters he considered pulling up for a three-point shot on the Sixers' final possession vs. Oklahoma City.21 Jan @ 12AM

Sixers stock watch: Ben Simmons' monster week overshadowed by tough one for Sixers originally appeared on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com Somehow, when you think the strangest thing has already happened, each week seems to get weirder for the Sixers. They crushed the Wizards, got crushed by the Wizards, lost a heartbreaker to the Hawks and barely escaped New York with a win. Their defense - or lack thereof - was the biggest culprit for the team's 2-2 week.15 Jan @ 6PM

Ben Simmons' willingness to shoot jumpers could change everything for Sixers originally appeared on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com Ben Simmons notched his 18th career triple-double Saturday night in the Sixers' win over the Mavericks, but that's not the big story. Simmons willingly took four jump shots and made two of them. For most perimeter players, this isn't much of a development.6 Jan @ 10PM

Simmons' 76ers survive chaotic NY's Day game

Just like a brutal New Year's Day hangover, the Los Angeles Clippers crept up and caused Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers plenty of pain. The 76ers did hold on to defeat the Clippers 119-113 on Tuesday in LA but it was not pretty, involved a few angry confrontations and ended with Simmons doing the basketball equivalent of popping a bottle of champagne - an emphatic dunk. "The day after New Year's," is how Simmons, who spent New Year's Eve with reality TV star girlfriend Kendall Jenner at an LA party hosted by rapper Drake, summed up the scrappy game.2 Jan @ 9AM

Unlike many Jazz fans, Ben Simmons not 'stuck on Rookie of the Year stuff'

Unlike many Jazz fans, Ben Simmons not 'stuck on Rookie of the Year stuff' originally appeared on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com Donovan Mitchell has outscored Ben Simmons in their two sophomore season matchups, by a total of 54 points to 24. If you scan the box score for points and stop right there, Mitchell is the better player. If you look a little further, and if you've watched the Sixers' two wins against the Jazz this season, you'd have a different opinion.28 Dec @ 11PM